FE and HE

Drama becomes more commonly recognised as theatre, performing, or expressive arts at further and higher education level. However, there is still a strong element of drama within the context of performance.

The move towards vocational examinations has created great changes in the structure of further and higher education and many of these courses rely on creative elements such as drama and theatre, with the intention of preparing students for work in the creative and performing arts arenas. A level, BTEC and GNVQ (or VCE) courses offer a range of areas of study, many of which are linked to gaining skills in the professional performance environment.

For example:

Dance
Drama and Theatre Studies
Expressive Arts
Performing Arts

Although drama and theatre are delivered as discrete subjects within the FE and HE curriculum, drama can also be used to support the teaching of other courses. For example, Arts On The Move devised and delivered an afternoon workshop for a local college, to students studying on an 'Early Childhood Years' course. This was designed specifically to the course tutors' criteria and addressed the concept of 'Exploring Emotions Through the Arts' - using dance/movement, music and drama. The aim of the session was to provide the students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to utilise drama and performing arts as part of their work with young children. It was an intensive and highly interactive afternoon - and the reaction of the students involved, and their tutors, was extremely positive.

Resources

Theatre Studies: An Approach for Advanced Level, Simon Cooper and Sally Mackey, Stanley Thornes, 1995

Drama and Theatre Studies at A/AS Level, Jonothan Neelands and Warwick Dobson, Hodder & Stoughton, 2000

Practical Theatre: A Post-16 Approach, ed. Sally Mackey, Stanley Thorne, 1997

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